Marcus

Nearly 2,200 Georgia Tech graduates received degrees — one-third in engineering — at the 224th commencement ceremony May 6 at the Georgia Dome.

President Wayne Clough applauded the nearly 800 engineering graduates for choosing a "less-traveled path" at a time when many American universities are having trouble attracting students to science and technology fields.

"A degree from Georgia Tech means something special and says something about the person who earned it," he said.

The Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus told the graduates that resilience is a key to success.

Marcus recalled how, after losing his job at age 49, he took a chance on starting a home improvement business. Despite a shaky start, he persisted and the Home Depot became the largest home-improvement chain in the world.

"Don't blame others for your failure to accomplish," he said. "You, in fact, are responsible for most of what happens in your life."

Marcus concluded his address by encouraging the graduates to go out and change the world, but warning them — "If you shop at the other guy, I hope your toilets run forever."

To hear the podcast of Marcus' address, visit http://gtalumni.org/jacketcast/